Nanoparticles: structure, properties, preparation and behaviour in environmental media

Abstract

There is increasing interest and need to develop a deeper understanding of the nature, fate and behaviour of nanoparticles in the environment. This is driven by the increased use of engineered nanoparticles and the increased pressure to commercialise this growing technology. In this review we discuss the key properties of nanoparticles and their preparation and then discuss how these factors can play a role in determining their fate and behaviour in the natural environment. Key focus of the discussion will relate to the surface chemistry of the nanoparticle, which may interact with a range of molecules naturally present in surface waters and sediments. Understanding these factors is a core goal required for understanding the final fate of nanomaterials and predicting which organisms are likely to be exposed to these materials.

The impact of TiO2 nanoparticles on uptake and toxicity of benzo(a)pyrene in the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)

“…This was reflected in low measured Ti concentrations in the water column compared to the nominal concentrations. This is in accordance with previous studies that showed the aggregation of uncoated ENPs in environments with higher ionic strength, and aggregates formed by uncoated TiO2NP are assumed to be highly bioavailable for filter feeding organisms such as M. edulis (Canesi et al, 2012;Christian et al, 2008).…”

Analysis of engineered nanomaterials in complex matrices (environment and biota): General considerations and conceptual case studies

“…Which techniques are appropriate will depend largely on the sample type, property of interest, and analytical method to be used. Nanoparticulate systems are extremely sensitive to perturbation from factors such as pH, ionic strength, sunlight, bacterial growth, and temperature; and they are almost never in thermodynamic equilibrium [4]. In some cases, sample preservation may not be possible for a given property of interest that must be analyzed, such as aggregation state.…”

Metal‐based nanoparticles in soil: Fate, behavior, and effects on soil invertebrates

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) are defined as particulate matter with at least one dimension less than 100 nm [1]. Although materials of this size are naturally present in the environment, manufactured NPs may have distinctive surface properties and chemistry in comparison with natural NPs [2].…”